Definition of persistent
1 : existing for a long or longer than usual time or continuously: such asa : retained beyond the usual period a persistent leafb : continuing without change in function or structure persistent gillsc : effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing mustard gas is persistentd : degraded only slowly by the environment persistent pesticidese : remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation persistent viruses
2a : continuing or inclined to persist in a courseb : continuing to exist despite interference or treatment a persistent cough has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
persistently
adverbExplore M-W
Examples of persistent in a sentence
Contrary to persistent myth, Hoover was an activist. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 30 June 2008
The high-water mark of such truckling might be the publication of the Cato Institute report “America's Record Trade Deficit: A Symbol of Strength.” Freedom had become slavery; persistent deficits had become economic power. —Eric Janszen, Harper's, February 2008
The silence started from your end just about the time you said good-bye to dear St. Elizabeth and it has been constant and persistent ever since. —Archibald Macleish, letter, 11 July 1959
We were nagged by a persistent salesman.
He is one of the government's most persistent critics.
She has been persistent in pursuing the job.
He has been fighting a persistent cold.
Flooding has been a persistent problem in the area this year.
Persistent rumors that the business is for sale have alarmed the staff.
Origin and Etymology of persistent
Latin persistent-, persistens, present participle of persistere —see persist
First Known Use: 1826
PERSISTENT Defined for English Language Learners
persistent
playDefinition of persistent for English Language Learners
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: continuing to do something or to try to do something even though it is difficult or other people want you to stop
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: continuing beyond the usual, expected, or normal time : not stopping or going away
PERSISTENT Defined for Kids
persistent
playDefinition of persistent for Students
: continuing to act or exist longer than usual a persistent cold
persistently
adverbMedical Dictionary
persistent
playMedical Definition of persistent
1: existing or continuing for a long time: asa: effective in the open for an appreciable time usually through slow volatilizing mustard gas is persistentb: degraded only slowly by the environment persistent pesticidesc: remaining infective for a relatively long time in a vector after an initial period of incubation persistent viruses
2: continuing to exist despite interference or treatment a persistent cough has been in a persistent vegetative state for two years
Learn More about persistent
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See words that rhyme with persistent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for persistent Spanish Central: Translation of persistent Nglish: Translation of persistent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of persistent for Arabic speakers
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